Indian flood victims yet to receive allocated disaster relief

INDIAN residents who lost their belongings in a recent flood in Parit Buntar, Perak, are frustrated that they haven’t received the relief money allocated to them by the Government, Malaysia Nanban reported.

P. Sithambaram, one of the victims in Taman Kerian 5, said many of the families were affected by the recent floods.

The Government allocates funds to help communities recover but the assistance has not reached them, he said.

The funds for Indian families are usually distributed via Indian political parties.

V. Amirtham, 79, said that while families of other ethnic groups affected by the floods have received their assistance, the Indian families “had been overlooked”.

Many of the victims also claimed they received no aid for Deepavali and were unable to celebrate after losing their belongings.

> Pertubuhan Tamilar Kalam Malaysia will host the First International Conference on Tamilar Ethnic Identity and Resurgence in Malaysia next month, Malaysia Nanban reported.

Association president G. Tamizhpugal said Tamil was recognised internationally as an

While many Western countries honour the language, native speakers in Malaysia are reluctant to speak the language.

G. Tamizhpugal

ancient language of note.

“While many Western countries honour the language, native speakers in Malaysia are reluctant to speak the language.

“Many Malaysians also lack exposure to the historical, cultural and artistic achievements of the Tamil community,” he said, adding that the organisers have invited experts on the community’s history to speak at the conference.

More than 500 delegates from around the world are expected to attend the event, which will take place at Goldcourse Hotel in Klang on Dec 16 and 17.